BAIK LIFE 101: bikes and rider levels explained

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned rider tearing through trails and tracks, picking the right dirt bike for your skill level is essential. With electric bikes rising in popularity and petrol bikes still holding strong, it's important to know which models match your experience, goals, and riding style.

Here’s a breakdown of rider levels and the bikes that best suit them — from electric ease to full-throttle performance.

Beginner Riders – Easy, Automatic, and Electric

Recommended Bikes: Sur-Ron Light Bee & Sur-Ron Ultra Bee

If you’re new to dirt biking and want to focus on learning balance, throttle control, and handling without the complexity of gears and clutch, electric dirt bikes are a perfect starting point. Two excellent options are:

Sur-Ron Light Bee X
Lightweight, quiet, and incredibly beginner-friendly, the Light Bee is like the mountain bike of electric dirt bikes. It’s automatic, requires minimal maintenance, and has just enough power to get you comfortable without being intimidating.
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee
A step up from the Light Bee with more power, better suspension, and increased range — but still automatic and approachable. Great for beginners who want a bit more room to grow or for those planning to take on more rugged trails in the future.

Why choose electric as a beginner?

No clutch or gears to worry about
Quiet operation helps reduce nerves and allows you to focus
Instant torque with smooth throttle delivery

Beginner to Intermediate – Learn the Clutch & Gears

Recommended Bikes: Honda CRF 150L & Kawasaki KLX 150

For riders who are new but want to learn the fundamentals of a petrol-powered bike — including shifting gears and using a clutch — the CRF 150L and KLX 150 are ideal entry-level enduro bikes.

Honda CRF 150L
Reliable, smooth, and beginner-friendly, it’s one of the best-selling trail bikes in many countries. It's light enough for new riders but durable enough for trail rides and light enduro.
Kawasaki KLX 150
Very similar to the CRF in performance and reliability. It’s a great tool for learning clutch control, riding technique, and basic mechanics.

These bikes are also perfect for intermediate riders who already know how to ride a manual motorcycle but want something nimble and fun for casual trails or off-road practice.

Why start with a 150cc petrol bike?

Learn clutch, gear control, and engine braking
Great transition to more powerful manual bikes
Lightweight, forgiving, and easy to maintain

Advanced Riders – Power, Precision, and Performance

Recommended Bikes: Yamaha YZ 250 FX, KTM 350 EXC-F

If you’ve already mastered the fundamentals and have experience with enduro or motocross, it’s time to step into the big leagues. These high-performance machines are built for serious riders:

Yamaha YZ 250 FX (4-Stroke)
A motocross legend. It’s powerful, responsive, and race-ready. Best suited for riders who can handle aggressive terrain, jumps, and high-speed riding.
KTM 350 EXC (4-stroke)
A top choice for hard enduro and trail riding. It blends lightweight handling with serious engine power.

These bikes demand respect, they require excellent throttle control, physical conditioning, and fast reflexes.

Why go advanced?

Superior suspension and power for aggressive riding
Designed for racing, hard enduro, and high-level trails
Requires mastery of clutch, gears, and terrain reading

Final Thoughts: Pick the Right Bike for You

Choosing the right dirt bike is more than just engine size or brand. It’s about matching your current skill level with a bike that helps you grow without overwhelming you. Whether you’re starting out with a Sur-Ron, learning the ropes on a CRF, or pushing limits on a YZ, the right machine makes all the difference in your riding journey. Still not sure which bike is right for you? Chat us so we can help you finding the right bike for your trip!